Speaker upgrade/sound system opinions?

[CDNsurf]

Alright so after upgrading the headunit, I can clearly tell the stock speakers are lacking and I'm relatively new to car audio.

I don't have the biggest budget ~500 everything said and done. Im going to do the install my self to save money. I have no need to add a sub right now (Considering an shallow 8" under the passenger seat down the road).

What I have right now:

JVC KW-R910BT RMS of 22W x 4

What I am thinking of:

Fronts - Hertz - Dieci 165mm 6.5" 2 Way Component System (DSK1653) : 160W max and 80W RMS
Car Audio & Video | Visions Electronics

Backs - Hertz Dieci 130mm 5.25" 2Way Coaxial Speaker (DCX1303): 80W max and 40W RMS
Car Audio & Video | Visions Electronics

Talked to the guys there this combo can be had for under $250

Was originally thinking of amping all 4 but then thought of getting this and bridging just the fronts and running the rears off the headunit.

Alpine Universal Power Pack Amplifier (KTP445U) - ~ $150
45W RMS x 4 or 90W RMS x 2 at 4ohms

Car Audio & Video | Visions Electronics

Then adding sound deadening to all 4 doors ~$60-$150

This keeps me in my budget and should sound good.... any opinions thoughts would be appreciated :yo: as Im new to this but Im sure any upgrade over stock will sound good:rockon:

 

[CDNsurf]

And a picture for everyone... from up North currently snow fall warning (2-6inches)

 

[Ape Runner]

I'd say spend the $500 on another fender mounted side view mirror. You can never be too safe!

 

[CDNsurf]

Anybody:wave:

Im sure some of you must have upgraded your sound system, what are you running??

If it helps I listen to all kinds of music with mostly old (80's) and modern rock with everything in between...

 

[BrianSD_42]

I'm a big fan of the Alpine power pack. I've always heard good things.

 

[CDNsurf]

I'm a big fan of the Alpine power pack. I've always heard good things.

Yeah thats what I got from some research I've done, good small amp that'll fit behind the dash and provides a decent upgrade over HU power.

Im sure it'll be more beneficial bridging it and running all the power to the front (components) instead of to all 4 and running the rears off HU?

As far as these Hertz goes, they have been one of the best sellers up here in Canada in the last couple of years. Was thinking about going Polks DB's all the way around but its hard finding them decently priced up here.

 

[Ed_C]

Do you have rear passengers often? If you don't I wouldn't even bother updating the rear speakers and use/save that money towards a subwoofer.

 

[ShariD]

Off topic sidebar.....Bad ass fender mounted side view mirror!imp:

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

Alright so after upgrading the headunit, I can clearly tell the stock speakers are lacking and I'm relatively new to car audio.

I don't have the biggest budget ~500 everything said and done. Im going to do the install my self to save money. I have no need to add a sub right now (Considering an shallow 8" under the passenger seat down the road).

This is a start but I'd need to know a little more before recommending specifics. I don't know Hertz speakers but I've had great results using CDT Audio components. In a vehicle, I usually prefer a soft tweeter, rather than a metal dome which can sound harsh.

What is your goal? Sound quality or volume (spl)? Or which do you lean to heavily? How long are you willing to live with weak bass until you add a sub (any sub, it doesn't need to be huge)?

When trying to stretch dollars, I highly recommend buying from online companies. An online amp company I've used is US Acoustics. A cheap separate 20x2 amp (just an example) will be worlds better than the amp built into your HU. Another point, the biggest effect and improvement will come from your speaker choices.

 

[CDNsurf]

This is a start but I'd need to know a little more before recommending specifics. I don't know Hertz speakers but I've had great results using CDT Audio components. In a vehicle, I usually prefer a soft tweeter, rather than a metal dome which can sound harsh.

What is your goal? Sound quality or volume (spl)? Or which do you lean to heavily? How long are you willing to live with weak bass until you add a sub (any sub, it doesn't need to be huge)?

When trying to stretch dollars, I highly recommend buying from online companies. An online amp company I've used is US Acoustics. A cheap separate 20x2 amp (just an example) will be worlds better than the amp built into your HU. Another point, the biggest effect and improvement will come from your speaker choices.

I would say I'm definitely leaning towards sound quality over volume even though I don't mind turning it up every once in a while. I listen to all kinds of music but clarity is my main goal at all volumes with tight bass. I can live a while without subs not a big deal to me. I do currently have a single alpine type r 12" in a ported box from my old car but decided against putting that in the truck as I don't want to it take up any cargo space And I don't really need anything that big.

Ok thanks for the suggestions I'm still open to a few options as you mentioned and others have. Whether it's just getting new front speakers and a amp for now. Then maybe getting a smaller sub for the low ends. Or replacing all 4 speakers etc. I'll check out that online vendor.

Thanks

 

[wake_rider]

I would say I'm definitely leaning towards sound quality over volume even though I don't mind turning it up every once in a while. I listen to all kinds of music but clarity is my main goal at all volumes with tight bass. I can live a while without subs not a big deal to me. I do currently have a single alpine type r 12" in a ported box from my old car but decided against putting that in the truck as I don't want to it take up any cargo space And I don't really need anything that big.

Ok thanks for the suggestions I'm still open to a few options as you mentioned and others have. Whether it's just getting new front speakers and a amp for now. Then maybe getting a smaller sub for the low ends. Or replacing all 4 speakers etc. I'll check out that online vendor.

Thanks

What you're looking to do is exactly the route I'm wanting to go. I want clear, crisp, clean sound that I CAN put up high on occassion, but mostly I'm looking for full, clean sound at lower to mid levels of volume.

I'll be watching this to see where you end up going, for sure. I might follow your lead. For the low end, I'm thinking about doing one of those 8" Sound Ordinance compact sub/amp combo's that you can tuck under one of the front seats just to balance out the low end. I'm a young 30's professional with a wife and daughter, I'm not looking to beat my brains out (nor am I trying to be obvious that I'm still down to enjoy some Tupac in between my regular programming of NPR, Reggae, Beethoven, and Jack Johnson).

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

I would say I'm definitely leaning towards sound quality over volume even though I don't mind turning it up every once in a while. I listen to all kinds of music but clarity is my main goal at all volumes with tight bass. I can live a while without subs not a big deal to me. I do currently have a single alpine type r 12" in a ported box from my old car but decided against putting that in the truck as I don't want to it take up any cargo space And I don't really need anything that big.

Ok thanks for the suggestions I'm still open to a few options as you mentioned and others have. Whether it's just getting new front speakers and a amp for now. Then maybe getting a smaller sub for the low ends. Or replacing all 4 speakers etc. I'll check out that online vendor.

Thanks

I have had good luck with CDT Audio, as I've mentioned, but speaker output can be very listener dependant. Besides that, speakers will take on different sound depending on the speaker placement (proximity) and the environment (furnishings, orientation, obstructions, etc). The best bet is find someone from your area on a sound forum and get an audition of what you plan to buy.

Factory speakers are not great but they are meant to play full range. Aftermarket components will typically give better sound but lack deep bass output. Stereo sound offers a more true musical experience than the surround sound created in a car. For the best SQ, upgrade to the best components you can up front, turn off rear speakers, and get a sub. Finally, get the crossovers and levels set properly. I'd recommend starting with the two front speakers. The rears will still add bass. Follow that with a decent sub, but it doesn't need to be big to add a lot to the sound. Later, if you really need more sound volume and you want better rear fill, consider upgrading the rears. Get an external amp for the fronts at least. Also, don't skimp on wiring and installation. Take your time and you'll do alright. I hope some of that helps.

 

[CDNsurf]

I have had good luck with CDT Audio, as I've mentioned, but speaker output can be very listener dependant. Besides that, speakers will take on different sound depending on the speaker placement (proximity) and the environment (furnishings, orientation, obstructions, etc). The best bet is find someone from your area on a sound forum and get an audition of what you plan to buy.

Factory speakers are not great but they are meant to play full range. Aftermarket components will typically give better sound but lack deep bass output. Stereo sound offers a more true musical experience than the surround sound created in a car. For the best SQ, upgrade to the best components you can up front, turn off rear speakers, and get a sub. Finally, get the crossovers and levels set properly. I'd recommend starting with the two front speakers. The rears will still add bass. Follow that with a decent sub, but it doesn't need to be big to add a lot to the sound. Later, if you really need more sound volume and you want better rear fill, consider upgrading the rears. Get an external amp for the fronts at least. Also, don't skimp on wiring and installation. Take your time and you'll do alright. I hope some of that helps.

Awesome thanks for the advice! I appreciate it. Im going to do some more research before I commit for sure. I do like the idea of getting better front speakers with an amp and leaving the backs for now until I decide to either upgrade them or get a smaller sub to fill the low end void.

I'll post any updates of the route I decide to go with and with a review.

If anyone else wants to share brand/speaker choice that would be awesome!

Thanks

 

[Nelsonmd]

This is a pretty simple question really. Get some decent 3-way speakers for your fronts that have external crossovers so you can wire up the factory tweeters from the crossovers. Upgrade the wiring to the speakers if you can, the factory wiring adds a decent amount of impedance. Don't worry about they don't really add anything. Then if you want more bass without alot of cost or effort, get an all-in-1 powered sub that can fit under the driver seat.

I have a sub box and amp, and an amp for the front speakers, and if I had to go back, I would do what I've described above. The install of all my stereo equipment was too much hassle, and the sub takes too much room in the back. It thumps really nicely if I want it to, and I have great sounds quality, but now once I get rid of the 4runner, I don't know if I will even take this stuff out of it.

I may take it all out and convert it to a home theater sub, but either way, it's a bit more of an annoyance than I'd like. I'm not a high school kid wanting to shake my door panels apart to impress my friends anymore, so a nice little powered sub would do just fine.

Oh, and that alpine power pack is just as expensive as a full amp, so unless you specifically need the small size, it's not worth it.

 

[CDNsurf]

This is a pretty simple question really. Get some decent 3-way speakers for your fronts that have external crossovers so you can wire up the factory tweeters from the crossovers. Upgrade the wiring to the speakers if you can, the factory wiring adds a decent amount of impedance. Don't worry about they don't really add anything. Then if you want more bass without alot of cost or effort, get an all-in-1 powered sub that can fit under the driver seat.

I have a sub box and amp, and an amp for the front speakers, and if I had to go back, I would do what I've described above. The install of all my stereo equipment was too much hassle, and the sub takes too much room in the back. It thumps really nicely if I want it to, and I have great sounds quality, but now once I get rid of the 4runner, I don't know if I will even take this stuff out of it.

I may take it all out and convert it to a home theater sub, but either way, it's a bit more of an annoyance than I'd like. I'm not a high school kid wanting to shake my door panels apart to impress my friends anymore, so a nice little powered sub would do just fine.

Oh, and that alpine power pack is just as expensive as a full amp, so unless you specifically need the small size, it's not worth it.

Thanks for the response.

Yeah I've gone through the phase of Heavy bass. I mean I like a good punch but I don't wanna have my cargo space taken up. Sound qualitly over volume for sure!

As for my current plan. I'm deciding on a decent set of front components (~150-250). The reason I wanna do the power pack for its size as I can put it where the factory amp is and not waste any additional space. Then I'd like to add a 8" powered sub under the passenger seat in the future.

Currently looking at the

Polk DB6501 series or between the Hertz DSK or ESK components.

Then I think I'll get the alpine power pack (or similar) bridged to the fronts to put out 80~100W to each speaker

So in that power range I'll probably upgrade to 14G wiring t o the fronts.

On top of that getting some sound deadener for the front two doors. I'm thinking this setup should keep me happy until I add the smaller powered sub.

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

This is a pretty simple question really. Get some decent 3-way speakers for your fronts that have external crossovers so you can wire up the factory tweeters from the crossovers. Upgrade the wiring to the speakers if you can, the factory wiring adds a decent amount of impedance. Don't worry about they don't really add anything. Then if you want more bass without alot of cost or effort, get an all-in-1 powered sub that can fit under the driver seat.

I have a sub box and amp, and an amp for the front speakers, and if I had to go back, I would do what I've described above. The install of all my stereo equipment was too much hassle, and the sub takes too much room in the back. It thumps really nicely if I want it to, and I have great sounds quality, but now once I get rid of the 4runner, I don't know if I will even take this stuff out of it.

I may take it all out and convert it to a home theater sub, but either way, it's a bit more of an annoyance than I'd like. I'm not a high school kid wanting to shake my door panels apart to impress my friends anymore, so a nice little powered sub would do just fine.

Oh, and that alpine power pack is just as expensive as a full amp, so unless you specifically need the small size, it's not worth it.

I think you are saying, in bold, to pair the mid/bass units of the new speakers with the tweeters from the factory originals, right? I would suggest that that's a bad idea, if you want decent sound quality. The sound engineers put a lot of work into pairing the sound of the tweeter with the mids/bass units when they design the speakers. Also, the crossovers are designed specifically for the impedance response of the tweeters that ship with the package. You will get unknown results wiring components up to different tweeters, but I'd bet on it that your sound quality will suffer.

I wanted to comment on something I said earlier too... I recommend getting good quality wiring, connectors, interlinks, etc. That does not mean that you need name brand/expensive stuff. There are great options online that can save lots of money and you can even buy custom wiring. Just because the 12g wire says Monster on it does not mean it is superior to another company's 12g wire. Nothing wrong with Monster either, but shop around and you probably can't hear the difference.

 

[piecesparts]

Do you have rear passengers often? If you don't I wouldn't even bother updating the rear speakers and use/save that money towards a subwoofer.

The package will sound better if all speakers are updated and yes a subwoofer would make it a rounded out affair. If you change the front, the back speakers will basically disappear from your world of listening, since the front ones will overpower them in efficiency. If you do the front, then I would suggest that you do the rear too.

 

[papabeach]

I am a big fan of my Hertz speakers. For me, I just wanted a solid all around performing setup. Between me, my wife and my daughter we listen to a range of music so I needed something that would work for everyone. I think I found that with my setup below. To be honest, I really think the sound deadening made the most dramatic impact. And the JL thin mount sub is perfect for me...it fits where the rear right storage area used to be in the back, provides good all around sound and best of all, I don't lose any storage space.

-Alpine receiver CDE-HD149BT
-JL Audio XD700/5 amplifier
-Hertz speakers ESK 6.5 w crossover (front) / ECX 5.25 (rear)
-JL Audio 10TW3-D4 Subwoofer (custom install in right rear cargo wall)
-Hush mat doors, floor, roof (probably excessive)...wish I put more over wheel wells/cargo area

 

[CDNsurf]

I am a big fan of my Hertz speakers. For me, I just wanted a solid all around performing setup. Between me, my wife and my daughter we listen to a range of music so I needed something that would work for everyone. I think I found that with my setup below. To be honest, I really think the sound deadening made the most dramatic impact. And the JL thin mount sub is perfect for me...it fits where the rear right storage area used to be in the back, provides good all around sound and best of all, I don't lose any storage space.

-Alpine receiver CDE-HD149BT
-JL Audio XD700/5 amplifier
-Hertz speakers ESK 6.5 w crossover (front) / ECX 5.25 (rear)
-JL Audio 10TW3-D4 Subwoofer (custom install in right rear cargo wall)
-Hush mat doors, floor, roof (probably excessive)...wish I put more over wheel wells/cargo area

That sounds like an awesome setup, I think the sub will come later (ideally I'd love to add one to the rear cargo) but I think Ill get a smaller one for under the seat.

How much sound deadening did it take for the front doors? Im still trying to figure out how much ill need if just for the doors or else where in the truck.

 

[papabeach]

Thanks! I was pretty new to car audio (and car mods in general) when I went this route years ago and wasn't really sure what I was getting myself into. Kinda did the go big but not over the top route (this is clearly relative)....For an example of what I would consider over the top for my purposes check out the following link. With that said, I would imagine this setup is amazing!
Toyota 4Runner 4 door SUV 1995-2002 | Sound Deadener Showdown

Anyway, I can't remember which kit I used but it was one of the bulk kits from Hushmat. I am embarrassed to say I was lazy and had it done at my local audio shop when I had my windows tinted. Labor was cheap and they did a great job. I was super busy with work and a new baby at the time so I had to compromise and have been fine with the decision ever since...

Good luck, and let us know what you end up doing!